Transplant Shock is a major challenge of seedling transplant the period during which transplanted plants go through stresses of varying conditions. In our study we aimed to understand tropical transplant shock in restoration plantings with changing climate. We look to find if there is a relationship between seedling size and mortality from transplant shock. Furthermore we look to find if such a relationship changes with change in climate.
Our study plots are located on former agricultural sites at three elevations along a tropical elevation gradient. We measured the survivorship of three elevation generalist species post -transplant after two years at high, mid and low elevations. The low elevation plots mimic the future temperature for mid and high elevations as the climate warms. Transplants were done in 2009 and 2010. In 2009 transplants generally show relative higher plant mortality compared to transplants done in 2010 which show more plant resilience with higher survivorship probability. The two species Heliocarpus appendiculata and Croton draco showed better survivorship at Mid elevation compared to Low and High elevations for year 2009. This suggests that future restoration efforts will have to increase the number of seedlings transplanted in low and high elevations to encourage higher seedling survival rate.